The German Theatre

This is an area of PlzeÅˆ which I don’t understand. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at photographs, old and recent; at maps, old and recent and at aerial images, recent only

From what I understand, the German Theatre stood on the east side of Goetheova ulice and was demolished in 1977. Looking at the picture of it, it would appear to be quite an imposing building and I imagine its proportions would have been consistant, that it’s depth would be in proportion to its length.

The Great Synagogue – VelkÃ¡ Synagoga

I took this photograph in 1991. The photograph seems to tell a very sad story. The sheer size of the building seems to suggest that the Jewish community in PlzeÅˆ once made up an important part of the population – it’s the third biggest synagogue in the world. I don’t think there’s any need to mention why or how this changed: I think anybody reading this will be well aware of what happened during the second world war.

Apart from the building’s obvious emptiness and lack of use, the absence of the six pointed star in the photograph is a harsh reminder.

VelkÃ¡ Synagoga circa 2000Copyright information unknown

The synagogue is now beautifully restored and bears its star once more.